Akbayan Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno further intensified his call for the passage of the long-delayed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, stressing that the government owes it to the Filipino people to finally enact this vital reform.
During the second “Trillion Peso March,” Diokno emphasized that the proposed measure he filed together with fellow Akbayan Partylist Reps. Perci Cendana and Dadah Ismula and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao is a crucial step in the fight against corruption.
“Maraming utang ang gobyerno sa sambayanang Pilipino. Isa na rito ang pagsasabatas ng anti-dynasty law. President Marcos should prove that its fight against corruption is not lip service by certifying our House Bill 5905 as urgent,” Diokno said.
Once enacted into law, no individual will be allowed to hold or run for public office if they have a relative who is an incumbent elective official—whether at the national or local level—up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity. They also cannot immediately succeed to the office of the incumbent elective official if they are related.
The bill also prohibits candidates who are related to one another within the fourth degree from running simultaneously if their potential election would result in a political dynasty relationship.
“Masyado nang naabuso ng ilang pamilya ang ating mga proseso na humahantong sa katiwalian. Panahon na para buwagin at tuldukan ang political dynasties,” he added, stressing that the Filipino people will not tire of pursuing this reform until it becomes law.
Meanwhile, Diokno renewed his plea to the House leadership for an open bicam once the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the 2026 national budget start.
“Kailangan natin ng matibay at malinaw na deklarasyon mula sa liderato ng Kamara na magiging bukas ang proseso ng bicam sa budget. Kaya nga nangyari iyong mga insertion sa mga nakaraang budget dahil sinikreto ang bicam,” he said.
“Tungkulin natin sa taumbayan na buksan sa kanila ang proseso kung saan mapupunta ang pinaghirapan nilang buwis,” he added, stressing that the House leadership must follow the Senate’s lead by also agreeing to livestream the process.
Diokno also emphasized that both chambers should pass Joint Resolution No. 2 to ensure that the open bicam becomes permanent and make the process more transparent.
